At the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, we support our students in every stage of their professional journey. Recently, we opened our Instagram to let students and prospective students ask questions for PSM Assistant Director and Executive Coach Abbe Rosenthal.
Rosenthal provides one-on-one career and leadership coaching, facilitates professional development workshops, and oversees corporate outreach, externships, and alumni engagement at PSM. With a passion for helping students succeed, she is pursuing a second master’s degree in social work to enhance her ability to support students. She is also a Designing-Your-Life Certified Facilitator and Coach.
We sat down with her to hear her valuable insights into the internship and job search experience.
Could a Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree align with a STEM degree and management background?
When considering a master’s program, ask: What is your end goal? If you have a STEM background and work in management, the MBS degree offers a unique blend of deeper scientific knowledge while strengthening your leadership and business acumen. The program goes beyond a traditional STEM master’s degree by integrating classes such as Principles of Communication and Leadership, Ethics for Science and Technology Management, and real-world project experiences from the Externship Exchange Program. Business projects from our Capstone course and academic advising with executive coaches also help students personalize their journey, aligning coursework with their career aspirations—whether it involves advancing in your career or pivoting into a different field.
Simply holding a STEM degree and working in management doesn’t mean the two fields are seamlessly connected. The MBS degree bridges that gap by ensuring you understand different aspects of a business and develop a clear sense of who you are as a leader. To learn more about how to use the MBS degree to your advantage, contact us.
How can I find a mentor in my target industry or role?
Mentorship is a crucial part of any career development, and there are many ways to connect with the right mentor (or mentors!). The MBS degree offers an alumni-student mentoring program, and Rosenthal actively helps students connect with professionals in their preferred fields. Other avenues include leadership coaching from Kathleen Cashman-Walter's class, externship advisors, and our professors—who are often industry experts. There isn’t just one way to find a mentor! Be proactive and tap into multiple resources to build meaningful professional relationships.
What strategies can help me get the most value out of my internship experience?
Rosenthal teaches our internship course, which runs alongside a professional or research internship and provides professional development and leadership training. She encourages students to reflect on some key questions:
- What do you seek to gain from your internship, what are your goals?
- What might get in your way of achieving your internship goals?
- What might be your next steps after completing the internship?
- Who can help you achieve your next career goal?
- What strategies can you commit to in order to reach that goal?
Success in an internship isn’t just about completing tasks—it's also about actively thinking ahead. What skills and connections will help you after the internship ends? Note your goals during the internship and then focus on what you can do to reach them.
Rosenthal shared that the most successful students always have a forward-thinking approach, leveraging their internships to build strong professional foundations.
Q: How can I gain experience in my field if I’m struggling to find an internship or entry-level job?
Externships are your number one way to gain experience. They provide opportunities to connect with alumni, work on real projects, and build industry connections. The MBS externships stand out because they are remote, team-based, and offer mentorship from professionals.
Many of our students have used externships to pivot into new careers or advance in their current fields. Some also received an internship offer or gained great mentors from their projects.
If you’re struggling to find an internship, externships offer an excellent way to build relevant experience.
Q: What advice do you have for students about to graduate who haven’t had an internship or industry experience?
While it’s challenging to compete in today’s job market without an internship, students can still leverage their coursework to stand out. Highlighting academic projects, mentorship experiences, and professional development opportunities within the MBS can help bridge that experience gap.
Employers value problem-solving skills, leadership development, and real-world applications--all of this is embedded in the MBS curriculum. Learning how to articulate these experiences effectively will be crucial in job applications and interviews. (For more tips, read about workshops Rosenthal has hosted on how to craft a personal pitch and language the MBS experience).
Q: How do I stay productive and avoid burnout during the job search process?
Burnout is always a challenge, especially when dealing with job search stress. In today’s job market, students need to learn to manage rejections effectively, since they can take a toll on their confidence. Therefore, prioritizing self-care is key.
“Really dedicate time for you to do something that gives you joy and something with regard to your mental well-being,” said Rosenthal. “Without it, you’re going to burn out.”
It’s essential to ensure you have a strong support system to navigate the ups and downs of the job search process.
“Stay connected in the MBS, but also with your own friends and family,” said Rosenthal.
The job search process can be tough, but with the right mindset, support system, and strategies, you can navigate it successfully.
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